SouthArk is excited to work with area high schools to help promote college readiness. As a result, there are programs and resources available that SouthArk has developed for high school students. These programs and resources include:

Early College Start

Early College Start is an opportunity for high school students to take college-level classes while still in high school. Please click here for more information on the Early College Start program.

College and Career Readiness Pilot Program

The Arkansas Department of Higher Education has selected South Arkansas College as one of two sites to facilitate a two-year college and career readiness program.  SouthArk’s program organizes by grade-appropriate activities a series of college readiness strategies starting in the 7th grade to move students systematically toward college enrollment and completion, leading eventually to a fulfilling career.  Additionally, the program has designated career coaches to serve the five Union County school districts as coordinators of these grade-appropriate activities.  The career coaches will also function as advisors to guide, support, and encourage students in the various activities and strategies employed in the program. 

ACT Prep Courses

SouthArk has participated in the College and Career Readiness Planning Programs through the Arkansas Department of Education on two occasions; one in 2012 and again in 2014.

Bridge to College Algebra

Bridge to College Algebra is a grant-funded, four-week program sponsored by El Dorado Public Schools, South Arkansas College, and the El Dorado Education Foundation. The program is an activity-rich course that provides students with an authentic hands-on experience in higher-level mathematics. Services and activities provided by the program are at NO COST to participants. Benefits include academic field trips, one semester of credit recovery for Algebra II from El Dorado High School (if needed), a TI-84 graphing calculator, preparation for students’ required fourth-year math course, and an opportunity to enroll in College Algebra concurrently the next school year.

Secondary Technical Center

SouthArk partners with secondary school districts through a consortium that allows Union County high school students to pursue a program of technical skills studies on the SouthArk campus. For more information on the Secondary Technical Center, click here.

Upward Bound

Partnering with the El Dorado school district, SouthArk participates in the Federal TRiO program via Upward Bound. This is a pre-college program designed to help at-risk students who demonstrate academic potential for higher education, prepare for education beyond high school. For more information on Upward Bound, click here.

What is JAG?

Nationwide, 70 percent of students facing academic and financial barriers that pursued a postsecondary education are unable to successfully complete their first year of college. JAG aims to serve those students to ensure their educational journey ends in graduation and job placement. Jobs for Arkansas’ Graduates (JAG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving those who face significant challenges, to help them reach economic and academic success. JAG helps young people of truly great promise succeed both in school and on the job, leading to a productive and rewarding career. For more information, click here.